Joey Barton has launched a scathing attack on Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, criticising his tactics and track record.
The former Burnley and Rangers midfielder described the Reds coach as a "giant German cheerleader" on the touchline, pointing out that more than just charisma is needed to succeed in the Premier League.
"He has gone in with all this charisma and seems a down-to-earth nice guy, but I always worry when I see him prancing up and down the touchline. He is like a giant German cheerleader for them," he told talkSPORT.
"To be a top manager, you have got to have more than that. He has got a terrible record in finals.
"I'm not buying the Klopp aura and that he is this super coach. His career doesn't point that way.
"He has got one league title, one cup, in 2011-12. His Dortmund career ended in a hole in the ground. He lost the players, he lost the dressing room. They were fighting relegation."
Barton went on to say that Liverpool will struggle without Philippe Coutinho, who submitted a transfer request following a bid from Barcelona, arguing that Klopp's gameplan cannot be executed without the Brazilian.
"The players he has brought – [Mohamed] Salah, [Sadio] Mane – they are players to get in behind defences if you take that space away and sit deep, it doesn't matter how quick Salah is and how quick Mane is, that is when you need a Coutinho.
"They are not going to have a Coutinho this season. I think it is only a matter of time before he leaves, contrary to what Liverpool people think."
Liverpool are at Watford for their Premier League opener on Saturday afternoon. Follow Sports Mole's live text updates from the game here.
